Growing Capsicum in Kwale
Soil suitability analysis based on Kwale's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kwale is moderately suited to Capsicum. Kwale's soil (pH 6.76, near-neutral) gives Capsicum a suitability score of 73/100. Match fertilizer to Kwale's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kwale County is a solid choice for Capsicum, with a soil-match score of 73/100. Local soils average pH 6.76 — neutral and inside the 5.5–7 band Capsicum prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 0.93 g/kg, P 9.8 mg/kg, K 131 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Capsicum, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Capsicum is the #52 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kwale County. At current prices (about KES 90/kg) and a typical 6,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Capsicum crop here can gross roughly KES 540,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kwale soil | Capsicum needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.76 | 5.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.93 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 9.8 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 131 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 600–1,200 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 200 m | 0–2,000 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Kwale's nitrogen (0.93 g/kg) is 78% of the 1.2 g/kg Capsicum needs, so the standard 0.5 bags/acre is raised to 0.75. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Kwale's 200 m altitude and 900 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag